Board Members

History

In 1864, the first Territorial Legislature authorized the establishment of the University of Arizona and provided for the management, direction, governance, and control by a Board of Regents. The state colleges, one in Tempe and one in Flagstaff, were governed by a three-member State Board of Education that included the superintendent of public instruction and two members appointed by the governor. In March of 1945, the governor signed House Bill 136 uniting the governing boards of the university and state colleges of Arizona. The authority of the Board of Regents expanded to include the Arizona State Teachers College at Tempe (since 1958 Arizona State University), and Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff (since 1966 Northern Arizona University).

History and selection of student regent

The student regent is chosen through a rigorous process that begins with candidates applying to the Board of Associated Students of Arizona. The student board forwards three final candidates to the local student government on campus where the nominees are then confirmed and forwarded to the governor's office. After the governor conducts interviews, he or she nominates one student for the position. The governor's nominee must then be confirmed by the Arizona Senate.

A student was first added to the board in a non-voting position in 1978, and the student regent was granted voting privileges during the 1989-90 term. During the 44th legislative session in 2000, a second, non-voting student member was added to the Arizona Board of Regents. Student regents are now appointed for two years; the first year is served as a non-voting member and the second year as the voting student regent.